As we go on emulating those who came before us, from caveperson to an earbud walking city dweller, we don’t realize that we grew up following other’s leads.

However, there are a few of us who see who we want to be, and decide to be it.

What does it take?

All it takes is commitment.

Think of your most recent or current relationship. It goes well when you treat the other person with respect and you are committed to giving them the love, appreciation, support, and surprise that’s healthy in a balanced partnership.

It’s no different with work.

The decided mind will achieve the outcome desired, if not come close.

There may be instances of challenge and hardship. But all great gurus before us show that adversity, passion, and drive will help us rise.

How do you know if it’s the right path?

Follow what excites you.

Without excitement, you may as well be asleep. Yes, it’s important to be practical. But you can also gather excitement through gratitude.

Then once the ball is rolling, you’ll find different ways to see the situation. And if it needs changing.

When there is need of change because of little emotional response, it’s time to move on.

Set a deadline and a goal.

A deadline helps you not get stuck on the unimportant or ineffective for too long.

If you would like a healthier lifestyle, give yourself a deadline of 3–6 months to try new exercises and food choices. Practice and set yourself up for success by setting a specific time during the day or making appropriate portions for a meal.

A goal is the destination. Think of it as your north star.

What are you looking to achieve?

When you go off path, the goal is there to remind you of the place where you want to be. It’s what drives you.

It’s beneficial to set one goal per month. Then take a larger goal for the year, 2 years, 5 years, and lifetime, and write them down (I like to keep it in my wallet and hang in the bathroom).

You’re not supposed to know exactly how you get there.

All you’re supposed to do is feel how incredible it is to be who you are in that image, without neglecting who you are now. In fact, live it now.

Release the worry and love.

Worry is something we do when we want to feel good, yet keep looking toward the future.

It’s something a lot of us have. And it can get in the way of our best life.

The whole notion when you tell yourself to “stay positive” can seem daunting. It takes time.

In times of stress, remind yourself that everything will be amazing. That you are here on earth for a reason.

Sure, obstacles will be faced. But they are nothing in comparison to the miracle that you are.

You can choose to give love. Wherever worry shows up, become aware and say “I love you (your name here).”

Forget it and move on.

I used to look at the past and question my decisions. The song, “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts would bother me because I didn’t think the decisions I made needed to be the way they were for me to be happy now.

Transition to after I started meditating, writing, and practicing yoga; and one day I woke up free as a bird. It dawned on my after a shower that my head was so clear, and that I didn’t stress over the past anymore.

The best part is that everyone can have this.

How? By deconstructing the past and forgiving yourself and others for what had happened.

This is simple, yet it takes time.

When you find yourself day dreaming into a past situation that you’re unhappy with, pause for a moment.

Then begin to replay that same episode with forgiveness.

Go to that old boyfriend or girlfriend and say “I’m sorry.”

Do the same thing with yourself. Go back and recall a time you’re still upset over. Look at the inner and outer you and say “it’s ok, I love you and forgive you.”

Give yourself the necessary love and forgiveness each time this happens. Let it go.

There is no use carrying extra baggage on your journey to the next level. Leave aside the negativity and focus on all your great qualities instead.

You are perfectly imperfect in every way.

And for that, there is beauty you get to experience and share.

By the time you finish these exercises, you will feel a little lighter.

God has created us to experience the love and fulfillment of joy.

Every emotion we have is a choice.

We can wake up in the morning and look at the rain, snow, or sunshine as a blessing or a curse.

This life is solely up to you. And the outlook you give it shapes your surroundings.